Microsoft’s long-awaited handhelds, the Xbox Ally and Ally X, are finally here — but let’s be clear: this is not an Xbox. Despite the branding, these devices feel more like portable Windows PCs than true Xbox consoles.
The promise was simple: bring the Xbox experience to your hands. The reality? A pair of gaming handhelds that struggle to deliver the effortless, console-style experience Xbox fans expect.
First Impressions: A Handheld That Feels Too Familiar
The 7-inch Xbox Ally and Ally X both look sleek and powerful on the surface. However, from the moment you power them on, it’s clear these aren’t traditional Xbox devices.
You’re greeted not by the signature Xbox dashboard but by Windows 11, complete with its familiar setup process and quirks. Navigation feels clunky compared to the seamless console interface fans are used to.
Microsoft wanted to blend the best of Xbox and Windows — but at launch, the experience feels more like Windows in disguise.
Performance: Powerful Hardware, PC Problems
On paper, the Xbox Ally X impresses with its $999 price tag and upgraded specs. It outpaces several other Windows handhelds in raw performance, delivering solid frame rates in most modern PC titles.
But here’s the catch: it doesn’t natively play Xbox console games. That means when GTA VI drops next May without a PC version, this device won’t run it locally. Your only option? Cloud streaming, which still depends heavily on internet speed and stability.
In short, the Xbox Ally and Ally X might handle Forza Horizon 5 beautifully — but they miss the simplicity that defines the real Xbox experience.
Software Experience: Windows All the Way
The Xbox Ally and Ally X are powered by Windows 11, and they constantly remind you of it. From lengthy updates to pop-ups and driver notifications, it’s clear this isn’t the plug-and-play simplicity Xbox consoles are known for.
Even the new Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE), designed to make navigation feel more console-like, doesn’t go deep enough. Despite Microsoft’s claims that it’s “more than surface-level changes,” FSE feels unfinished and inconsistent.
For many gamers, the dream of a handheld Xbox still feels just out of reach.
Battery Life and Portability: Heavy Lifting Required
Battery life is decent but not groundbreaking. The Xbox Ally X improves on the base model’s endurance, thanks to a bigger battery, but don’t expect marathon sessions. Most AAA titles drain power quickly, forcing you to stay near a charger.
At over 600 grams, it’s also on the heavier side — noticeably bulkier than the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck OLED. This limits its portability for casual gaming on the go.
Price and Value: Premium Tag, Mixed Return
At $799 for the base Xbox Ally and $999 for the Xbox Ally X, these handhelds occupy a premium space in the market. For that price, you get strong PC-level performance and Xbox Game Pass support — but not a seamless Xbox experience.
The real frustration is expectation versus delivery. Microsoft promised an Xbox in your hands; what you actually get is a Windows PC with an Xbox logo.
Design and Controls: Familiar Yet Frustrating
Design-wise, both devices feature ergonomic grips and responsive analog sticks that mimic the feel of an Xbox controller. The controls are excellent for long play sessions, but software hiccups and inconsistent driver support occasionally disrupt gameplay.
The displays are bright, colorful, and sharp — a big plus for portable gaming. But overall polish is lacking compared to established handheld competitors.
The Verdict: Microsoft’s Missed Opportunity
The Xbox Ally and Ally X review ultimately highlights Microsoft’s biggest challenge: deciding whether these devices are Xbox consoles or Windows PCs.
While they deliver impressive hardware and a strong connection to the Xbox ecosystem, they fail to capture what makes Xbox Xbox — ease, accessibility, and instant fun.
Until Microsoft fully reimagines Windows for handhelds or brings true console-level optimization to these devices, the Xbox Ally and Ally X will remain an ambitious, yet confused, hybrid.
This Is Not an Xbox
The Xbox Ally and Ally X are exciting steps toward portable gaming freedom, but they aren’t the Xbox experience fans hoped for. Despite Microsoft’s best marketing spin, these handhelds serve as a reminder that great hardware can’t save confusing software.
If you want a portable console that “just works,” look elsewhere — because this is not an Xbox.
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